Wednesday, 13 July 2011
Wednesday, 25 May 2011
Tuesday, 17 May 2011
The Resurrection of Johnny Cash
Some early reviews are already in, and very nice they are too. The review in the new issue of Record Collector calls it a "marvellous book ... masterfully chronicling the last few years of Cash's life ... Thomson's always eloquent writing fills the page with atmosphere and keen critical assessment." On a similarly positive note, Bill Kopp at Musoscribe has written a really astute review of the book, while Anti Music has this to say.
The review from the current edition of The Word - the 100th issue, and a fine thing it is too - is scanned below:
Tuesday, 14 September 2010
All the News That Fits
Much to catch up on. First, reviews in Uncut of Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan’s latest opus, Hawk, and the new Ray LaMontagne album. There's also a meaty feature in the latest issue about Paul Simon’s Graceland; it isn’t online but is in stores NOW. As is my meeting with venerable thesp (and wearer of dangerously tight shirts) Simon Callow, which appears in the new issue of The Word magazine, alongside my chats with the likes of Cerys Matthews, Cathal Coughlan and Ride's Mark Gardener.
What else? A highly enjoyable pop at the Libertines in the Guardian and lots of lovely stuff at theartsdesk, which celebrated its first birthday last week and goes from strength to strength. I review John Grant, The Phantom Band, Phoenix, Steve Mason and write about lots of other goodness. While you’re there, check out Jasper Rees's excellent interview with Michael Sheen and Chris Christodoulou’s jaw dropping photo gallery of orchestra conductors in action.
Also, highly pleasing reviews of my Kate Bush biog, Under the Ivy, continue coming in. The Irish Times judged it “the best music biography in perhaps the past decade... an absorbing, painstakingly researched and downright fascinating book”. Q awarded it 4 stars and called it “respectful, fascinating and full of insight...”, while RTE's prime time arts show Arena settled for “definitive”. For all the latest visit the book's blog.
Thursday, 5 August 2010
American Beauty
First up there was an examination of the roots of Elvis (P not C) featuring contributions from the wonderful Paul Buchanan; then fascinating chats with Rosanne Cash and Kris Kristofferson, plus a review of the latter’s recent Edinburgh show over at theartsdesk, where I also contributed to a round-up of the month's best new albums. I’ve also reviewed some telly: a great documentary on Merle Haggard and new BBC Four comedy The Great Outdoors.
P.S. I’m now on Twitter (oh yes, always one step ahead of the throng) if anyone fancies dropping in.
Friday, 9 July 2010
Top Bird
A chat here with Martina Topley-Bird, who is back with an utterly beguiling new album Some Place Simple; and some slightly woozy words with the equally fearless Rickie Lee Jones here
Thursday, 24 June 2010
Art & Acorns
Also, a ton of my film, music and TV reviews can be viewed over at theartsdesk.